Office of Government Relations

The Office of Government Relations is responsible for coordinating legislative activities at the federal and State levels of government, including Congress, the Maryland General Assembly, the Office of the Governor, and other relevant units of government.

At the State level, the office primarily deals with operating and capital budget issues as well as a broad range of legislative issues involving State government and higher education. At the national level, the office works with members of the Congressional Delegation on the University System's priorities for federal initiatives.

Located accross from the Maryland State House in Annapolis, government relations staff works to ensure that the USM community is informed about key legislative issues so that it can support appropriate action on behalf of USM. The office utilizes the resources of the entire University System by encouraging faculty and staff to participate in the legislative agenda.

As legislative issues arise that either support and further USM policies and goals or run counter to them, the government relations office assists in the identification of these issues and provides advice to the USM Chancellor, Vice Chancellors, USM Presidents, faculty, staff and students.

The State Relations Council is comprised of a representative from each of the USM member institutions and the USM Director of State Relations. The council meets periodically during the Interim and every Friday morning in Annapolis during the Legislative Session.
Institution-specific issues are pursued by the institutional representatives with assistance and support from USM government relations staff.

This site is designed to help inform those interested in the legislative issues affecting USM, the Maryland General Assembly (www.mlis.state.md.us) and the higher education community.